My wife and I are planning a brief visit to Margate in Kent this August. Her grandfather grew up there and she would like to see the city where he lived. Does anyone have suggestions on good places to stay and things to see? Her grandfather moved away from Margate in circa 1915. Are there any good libraries there that might help us determine where he lived and where some of his ancestors might be buried? Thanks for any suggestions!
Posted by
Lake District, England
8136 posts
In this country things like genealogical records are at County Archive centres rather than at Libraries, which I know is a big difference from the United States.
In your case that is the Kent History and Library Centre (which happens to be at Maidstone Library, but will be in a separate part of the building).
https://www.kentarchives.org.uk/
I would suggest that you contact them now to establish what records they have and probably arrange a time for a visit while you are there. Often County archive staff no longer have the resource to run other than a brief enquiry (I don't know what Kent's policy is on that) and will refer you to local researchers (I do that for Cumbria where the staff can only expend 30 minutes on an enquiry). It sounds like you need to get that process moving now.
On the face of it, if your wife's grandfather emigrated in 1915 ish (1915 feels a very odd date to have emigrated- pre or post WW1 sounds more likely in my experience) then I am surprised you can't establish many of the basic facts such as addresses for yourself through the likes of the Ancestry website as there are censuses until 1911 and every 10 years back to 1841 as are BMD records.
I would be looking for a WW1 service record as well. Many were lost in the Blitz in WW2 but those which survived often yield valuable information.
With luck Ancestry will either give you a departure date and vessel from the UK and/or arrival date and location in the US. That shipping record often gives final address in the UK.
If the ancestors lived in Margate itself the chances are that ancestors will be in a municipal cemetery, not a Churchyard, so the local Council may still hold those records rather than the archives. Your researcher should be able to advise on that, and readily identify the burial location.
In UK meaning of 'city' Margate would be tickled pink to be called a City. It is certainly a town in UK parlance!!
Sorry I can't tell you much about places to stay there.
Posted by
Missouri, USA and Essex, UK.
1055 posts
Whitstable and Broadstairs are popular Kent coastal towns to visit. August may be busy as the UK schools will be out for summer break. You will need to book your accommodation soon. Leeds Castle, Nr. Maidstone Kent is also beautiful. You can also stay there overnight and eat at the Castle Restaurant (Fabulous food). During August it may be pricey and the grounds will be busy during the day. However, the best part is, if you book a stay, you get to walk the castle grounds after hours. Canterbury is always a good day out to see the cathedral. You can also stop at Tiny Tims Tearoom for scones and tea.
Posted by
Preston UK
1232 posts
Bear in mind that Maidstone and Margate are over 40 miles apart so your trip will need careful planning, particularly if you're hoping to do it in a day.
Posted by
OP
Spokane, WA
4 posts
Thanks very much for your help! We'll see what we can find on Ancestry, and perhaps also contact the facility in Maidstone, though probably won't have to to visit. We'll limit or trip to Margate.
Does anyone have information about places to stay in Margate?
Posted by
Lake District, England
8136 posts
if you draw a blank on Ancestry/Kent Archives DM me with the relevant details and I will have a look for you. It is 400 miles away so I am not personally familiar with the area, but you never know what I may be able to find. But I always like the descendants to go as far as they can first, to have the 'fun of the chase'.